Poetics – Now I Can See…

After stumbling upon this quote I knew this was the direction our poetic prompt would take today.

As we find ourselves trying to cope and navigate through these extremely stressful and unprecedented times, it may seem as though we are watching pieces of our normal life breaking away. Unsettling and unfamiliar? Oh yes….BUT, consider for a moment, that those pieces could also be barriers that have prevented us from experiencing the peaceful and profound truth, the true purpose of life…as difficult as it has been to watch those pieces fall at our feet.

“Barn’s burnt down, now I can see the moon.”

Mizuta Masahide

Enlightening words from Masahide, 17th Century samurai, poet , mentored by Matsuo Basho. In Zen poetry, the moon often symbolizes the truth or ultimate awareness. The burning barn could be the hardship or catastrophic loss we must experience in order for our sky to clear, our minds to clear, creating a new view. Perhaps then and only then, will we be awakened.

What do you see? Something you haven’t before? Something you’ve forgotten? New perspectives, priorities or something much deeper. A revelation in thought? What does the moon represent to you in Masahide’s terse, epiphanous message? What does your burning barn look like? Have you experienced your own personal insight or enlightenment as the world deals with this ongoing crisis? Ponder these questions and pen us a poem.

My first escape into poetry since all this began…. I have to say it feels good. THANK YOU to all of you for continuing your passion to write through these troubling and terrifying times. You inspire me.

Hello Mish and All — Chamomile and ginger snaps sound perfect right now, yes, please. Still grey and cold here, the snow has melted. I’m about to go out and run a few errands. Some things have to be done. I love the prompt. Will plan on writing when I get back.

Thanks for hosting and for the great starting concept! I just couldn’t keep it a short one, but it was kind of therapeutic to write this at least. Should have written it when not so tired maybe, but thank deities it’s not so serious. 🙂 Hope you all are well and safe!